Tokyo, Aug. 3 (Jiji Press)—Japanese business sentiment rose to its highest level in over three years in July due partly to strong air conditioner demand amid high temperatures, a survey released by Teikoku Databank Ltd. Thursday showed.

The business sentiment diffusion index rose 0.8 point from the previous month to 47.6, marking the highest level since March 2014 and the second straight month of increase, the credit research firm said.